Shanghai: Women Filmmakers Speak Out on Challenges and Triumphs at Kering Seminar

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At this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, a significant focus was given to the global fight for opportunities and acknowledgment among female filmmakers, with key industry influencers discussing their personal journeys to encourage and educate.

This week marked the inaugural China event for Kering’s Women In Motion initiative, an endeavor by the French luxury conglomerate aimed at celebrating women in the arts and culture sector, fostering new perspectives, and addressing gender imbalance. The gathering featured Liang Jing, a Chinese actor-producer; Luiza Mariani, a Brazilian filmmaker; Kiran Rao, an Indian multi-talented artist; and Lyu Yanting, a renowned Chinese actress known for lending her voice to the title character in the hit animated series Ne Zha.

Rao, known for directing the worldwide success Dangal (2016), earning an unprecedented $200 million at the Chinese box office, shared thoughts about major changes she’s observed during her 25-year journey in the film industry.

As a passionate advocate, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the portrayal of women on screen and the types of roles they get to play. It’s disheartening to know that women’s participation in Indian cinema still hovers around 25-30%. However, I firmly believe we should strive for gender parity, aiming for a 50% representation. But it’s not just about numbers; having more women in decision-making positions—as directors, writers, and producers—creates a far greater impact. Seeing these trailblazers in the industry inspires countless others to follow suit.

In the midst of ongoing issues, Rao emphasized the importance of changing people’s views regarding the types of stories and characters that appeal to audiences. Using the example of Dangal, a film about the Phogat wrestling sisters who overcame barriers for women in sports in India, he commented, “Women everywhere, more often than not, face similar challenges.”

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Rao pointed out that it’s crucial to change the way people view stories and heroes, based on the success of Dangal, a film about the Phogat wrestling sisters who broke down barriers for women in sports in India. He stated, “Women everywhere generally encounter similar difficulties.

There’s a feeling that new directors often encounter in this field: people seem to prefer male leads and accept women more in secondary romantic roles. People aren’t keen on investing in films with predominantly female protagonists. However, it’s encouraging to witness the influx of women in the industry, especially those telling their own stories. This shift is leading to complex, unusual female characters that deviate from societal expectations, which gives me a great deal of optimism.

The panel’s scheduling corresponds with the growing influence of films primarily directed by women in Chinese cinema. This is demonstrated by the recent commercial and critical achievements of Jia Ling’s heartwarming boxing comedy-drama, Yolo, which grossed $485 million, as well as Shao Yihui’s thought-provoking, award-winning comedy, Her Story, which made $100 million.

Mariani’s latest movie, “Cyclone“, serves as proof that similar trends are arising in other places too. Competing for SIFF’s Gold Goblet prize, it delivers a riveting tale of an aspiring playwright whose future hangs precariously after she resorts to an illegal abortion in a back alley.

She stated that this movie is unique because it’s led by women in key roles such as director, producers, and screenwriters. This, she believes, marks a substantial shift in the industry. A decade ago, such a scenario wouldn’t have been feasible. However, today in Brazil, 15% of films are helmed by women. In contrast, back in the 70s, we were barely at two percent. So, it’s clear that we’re challenging and redefining the norms.

For Liang, the sentiment she wished to convey to budding female directors present: “Give your best effort and don’t hesitate to express yourself confidently, to discover your unique perspective.

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2025-06-16 12:25